Letter to the Editor: Stratford’s ‘theatrical gem’ given new life

Published 5:53 pm, Monday, October 12, 2015

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Letter to the Editor: Stratford’s ‘theatrical gem’ given new life

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The Department of Economic and Community Development of the state of Connecticut presented this past June a new Pilot Grant Program for nonprofit funding called Good to Great. “Good to Great funds capital investments that link art, history and tourism in ways that enable cultural and historical sites to become much more compelling resident/visitor experiences.”

The Stratford Stage Group Inc. is pleased to announce that it has been chosen as one of the select few nonprofits in the state to receive the top dollar amount available, $125,000. The qualifications for this grant range widely: cultural-arts programming, historical preservation, educational services, community participation, tourist destination, economic impact, support of local businesses.

Our proposal to restore and operate the American Shakespeare Festival Theatre and have its yearly budget substantially unwritten with monies contributed from our Elizabethan-styled Shakespeare Inn constructed on the property, proved to be a winning combination and concept to the grant selection committee. Happily, their award is further confirmation that our Honorable Mayor and Town Council chose the right group to restore, operate and sustain our “one of a kind” national theater.

On October 15, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Stratford Academy Johnson House, 719 Birdseye St., the Stratford Stage Group will hold an informational public forum. Everything you ever wanted to know about the American Shakespeare Festival Theatre but were afraid to ask will be addressed. Our eminent attorney Barry Knott, renowned architect Peter Kosinski and two of our esteemed theatrical entrepreneurs, George C. White, CEO, and David D. Reed, president, will give brief presentations followed by a Q & A session.

Please stop by and see what all the fuss is about! You’ll be heartened and impressed to see how Stratford’s “theatrical gem” will be restored to past glory and then taken into this and the next century with greater and expanded vision and impact.